Common name: Sebree's pygmy goby

Scientific name: Eviota sebreei Jordan & Seale, 1906

General information

Sebree's Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Eviota sebreei, is a small and colorful fish that is popular among nano reef aquarium enthusiasts. This species is part of the diverse and numerous Gobiidae family, which is known for its small size and adaptability to various marine environments. Sebree's Pygmy Goby is particularly appreciated for its vibrant coloration, typically displaying a combination of orange, red, and blue hues that add a splash of color to any aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
2.5 cm (1″)
Care level
Easy Thrives in established tanks
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small meaty foods
Social
Harem Best kept in groups
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Dwarf Gobies
    Eviota
  7. Species
    Sebree's pygmy goby
    Eviota sebreei Jordan & Seale, 1906

Care

Due to their diminutive size, Sebree's Pygmy Gobies are well-suited for smaller aquariums, often referred to as nano or pico tanks. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock and hiding places, which provide security and mimic their natural habitat. These gobies are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild, so a diet of small meaty foods like copepods, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is recommended.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Eviota sebreei is known to spawn in captivity, which can be a rewarding experience for the dedicated aquarist. They lay their eggs in a secure location, often within the crevices of live rock. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Breeding these gobies requires a separate breeding tank with stable water conditions to increase the chances of successful hatching and growth of the larvae.

Habitat

Sebree's Pygmy Goby is found in the Western Pacific, including areas like the Philippines and Indonesia. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. In their natural environment, they are often observed hovering near coral heads or rock outcroppings, darting back to safety when threatened.